Rod and reel combo ? help

8up · Feb 2, 2009

I have always used spinning gear and love it. I have tried several times to use baitcasting reels. Tried some cheap ones and some expensive ones and was lucky if I got 2 cast in a row without a birds nest. So casting is out the door with one for me.

I want to start fishing for big cats and maybe even some striper. Can you do well with spinning gear?

What is a good but not to expensive setup?

garry · Feb 3, 2009

I use a spinning reel for rock fish. What I've found is that if you want a reel to last through alot of rock fish you should go ahead and spend some money, they are hard on cheap reels.If you don't fish often cheap ones will last along time though.

J Hartman · Feb 3, 2009

You can get that catstick combo for around $30 i believe from just about anywhere that sells rods and reels...They are the white rods usually. yes they are spinning reels... but yes you should do fine with a spinning reel IMO, just trolling with them I do not care for.

8up · Feb 3, 2009

I would rather have have a better and more expensive set up but the budget right now won't allow it. I am not big on trolling anyway.

fishboy1 · Feb 3, 2009

If you can catch tuna and dolphin on spinning gear you can catch anything that swims in fresh water.

If you are after truly big fish, you will probably be using large live baits so casting distance isn't the issue.

Get a reel with a quality drag and good line capacity for the #test you will be using.

No need to spend a fortune.

moondawg · Feb 3, 2009

8up said:
I have always used spinning gear and love it. I have tried several times to use baitcasting reels. Tried some cheap ones and some expensive ones and was lucky if I got 2 cast in a row without a birds nest. So casting is out the door with one for me.

I want to start fishing for big cats and maybe even some striper. Can you do well with spinning gear?

Absolutely. Just get a rod/reel combo that will hold the higher strength line. Check out some saltwater fishing combos, they'll definitely do the trick.

8up · Feb 3, 2009

Thanks guys I will start looking around

JA1234 · Feb 3, 2009

BPS had a spinning rig combo for 44 bucks. It has a funky green line on it that I wouldnt like, but the fish may I don't know. Nomore then I would ever fish for either that is what I would buy. even if it had to be replaced every year. I have broke to many 200 dollar rods, that if it aint a combo I just about don't buy it anymore